INJURY BLOWS ON EVE OF TAYSIDE DERBY

Derek McInnes has received a double bout of bad news on the injury front this morning.

The injury picked up by midfielder Murray Davidson will result in an absence of between six and eight weeks and striker Sam Parkin is looking at a further five week absence following more surgery on his injured ankle.

The Saints boss told the Saints Official Website: “Murray has suffered a medial ligament strain and is desperately disappointed with the news. He knows he shouldn’t have attempted to go for that challenge with the Livingston keeper but that’s the sort of commitment you get from him and it is difficult to be too hard on him. I’m hopeful the absence will be nearer the six weeks than eight but we’ll need to wait and see.

“Sam Parkin has needed some further tidy up work done on his ankle so that is a bit of a set back for him. We’re looking at another five weeks which is frustrating for the player.”

The manager remains confident that midfielder Chris Millar will be back to fitness and available for the St Mirren match after next weekend’s international break and Kevin Moon won’t be far behind him.